WO2018115549A1 - Procédé et appareils permettant la gestion à distance optimisée de contrôleurs logiques programmables - Google Patents

Procédé et appareils permettant la gestion à distance optimisée de contrôleurs logiques programmables Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2018115549A1
WO2018115549A1 PCT/ES2017/070803 ES2017070803W WO2018115549A1 WO 2018115549 A1 WO2018115549 A1 WO 2018115549A1 ES 2017070803 W ES2017070803 W ES 2017070803W WO 2018115549 A1 WO2018115549 A1 WO 2018115549A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
plc
management
remote
electronic device
mobile electronic
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/ES2017/070803
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English (en)
Spanish (es)
Inventor
Josep PONT ALBIOL
Francisco Manuel VÁZQUEZ GALLEGO
David CALERO SCANLAN
Jesús ALONSO ZÁRATE
Original Assignee
Machine To Smartphone, S.L.U.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
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Publication date
Application filed by Machine To Smartphone, S.L.U. filed Critical Machine To Smartphone, S.L.U.
Priority to EP17884988.1A priority Critical patent/EP3561741A4/fr
Publication of WO2018115549A1 publication Critical patent/WO2018115549A1/fr

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
    • G05B—CONTROL OR REGULATING SYSTEMS IN GENERAL; FUNCTIONAL ELEMENTS OF SUCH SYSTEMS; MONITORING OR TESTING ARRANGEMENTS FOR SUCH SYSTEMS OR ELEMENTS
    • G05B19/00—Programme-control systems
    • G05B19/02—Programme-control systems electric
    • G05B19/04—Programme control other than numerical control, i.e. in sequence controllers or logic controllers
    • G05B19/05—Programmable logic controllers, e.g. simulating logic interconnections of signals according to ladder diagrams or function charts
    • G05B19/054—Input/output
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G06Q10/00—Administration; Management
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
    • G05B—CONTROL OR REGULATING SYSTEMS IN GENERAL; FUNCTIONAL ELEMENTS OF SUCH SYSTEMS; MONITORING OR TESTING ARRANGEMENTS FOR SUCH SYSTEMS OR ELEMENTS
    • G05B15/00—Systems controlled by a computer
    • G05B15/02—Systems controlled by a computer electric
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
    • G05B—CONTROL OR REGULATING SYSTEMS IN GENERAL; FUNCTIONAL ELEMENTS OF SUCH SYSTEMS; MONITORING OR TESTING ARRANGEMENTS FOR SUCH SYSTEMS OR ELEMENTS
    • G05B19/00—Programme-control systems
    • G05B19/02—Programme-control systems electric
    • G05B19/04—Programme control other than numerical control, i.e. in sequence controllers or logic controllers
    • G05B19/05—Programmable logic controllers, e.g. simulating logic interconnections of signals according to ladder diagrams or function charts
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
    • G05B—CONTROL OR REGULATING SYSTEMS IN GENERAL; FUNCTIONAL ELEMENTS OF SUCH SYSTEMS; MONITORING OR TESTING ARRANGEMENTS FOR SUCH SYSTEMS OR ELEMENTS
    • G05B2219/00—Program-control systems
    • G05B2219/10—Plc systems
    • G05B2219/13—Plc programming
    • G05B2219/13142—Debugging, tracing
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
    • G05B—CONTROL OR REGULATING SYSTEMS IN GENERAL; FUNCTIONAL ELEMENTS OF SUCH SYSTEMS; MONITORING OR TESTING ARRANGEMENTS FOR SUCH SYSTEMS OR ELEMENTS
    • G05B2219/00—Program-control systems
    • G05B2219/10—Plc systems
    • G05B2219/13—Plc programming
    • G05B2219/13172—Remote programming from computer
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L41/00—Arrangements for maintenance, administration or management of data switching networks, e.g. of packet switching networks
    • H04L41/34—Signalling channels for network management communication

Definitions

  • the invention generally relates to the field of communications, and in particular, to improve the remote management of programmable logic controllers by means of a mobile application.
  • PLC Programmable logic controllers
  • the PLC as an electronic digital device, typically comprises at least one programmable memory for the storage of instructions, allowing the implementation of specific functions that have the objective of controlling machines and processes. It also includes a microprocessor, or CPU (the acronym for "central processing unif), capable of performing both arithmetic functions and logical control functions. It is responsible for executing the programmed sequence of instructions and managing communication between the various elements of the system.
  • CPU central processing unif
  • the input ports allow the connection of input devices such as sensors or switches that allow to know and determine the status of the inputs, or input signals, of the system
  • the output ports allow connection of actuators such as motors, valves, acoustic or luminous indicators, among other output devices with which you can act on the system that needs to be controlled by the PLC.
  • Communication between these different elements is carried out by means of the internal communication system, or communication bus / es. In this way, the different elements that make up the internal architecture of a PLC exchange information to develop its objective.
  • the PLCs are normally located in the vicinity of the machine, or machines, to be controlled, by means of a fixed wiring.
  • the instruction program is loaded to the PLC that is going to operate a particular machine.
  • the machine operation phase begins. That is, the PLC executes the program instructions to control the operation of the machine by activating / deactivating output signals, and reading data from sensors that arrive through the input signals, and according to the programmed algorithm, return to generate new instructions in other output signals, to monitor or correct the operation of the machine.
  • the PLCs comprised custom designs for those machines in question.
  • machines and PLCs were installed and did not move in decades. Therefore, conventional PLCs have custom designs for these situations. Instead, more and more PLCs are being installed to control mobile machinery, such as agricultural machines. These machines operate through a mixture of functions that are executed periodically and functions that are carried out on time. Given their mobility, these machines have PLCs incorporated to control their operation.
  • Mobile machines have the disadvantage that they cannot be connected by fixed wiring to a communications network. This communication is necessary not only to download new programs, or update existing programs, but also to monitor the correct operation of the machine, and solve possible computer problems.
  • a mobile application which once installed in an electronic device with wireless communication, allows the remote management of PLCs, from the installation of a new program, such as reprogramming of an existing PLC, such as PLC testing and monitoring, facilitating the resolution of errors by a specialist remotely.
  • the mobile application is connected to a maintenance computer, allowing complex PLC reprogramming operations to be carried out, or the resolution of computer problems, by a professional technician, remotely and wirelessly.
  • PLC programmable logic controller
  • PLC programmable logic controller
  • PLC programmable logic controller
  • PLC programmable logic controller
  • the invention provides methods and devices that implement various aspects, embodiments, and features of the invention, and that are implemented using a variety of means.
  • the media may comprise hardware, software, firmware, or a combination thereof and these techniques may be implemented in any one, or combination of, the various media.
  • the various means may comprise processing units that are implemented using one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processors (DSP), digital signal processing devices (DSPD), Programmable logic devices (PLD), field programmable gate arrays (FPGA), processors, controllers, micro-controllers, microprocessors, or other electronic elements, or combination thereof, designed to carry out the described functions (s), or a combination thereof.
  • ASICs application specific integrated circuits
  • DSP digital signal processors
  • DSPD digital signal processing devices
  • PLD Programmable logic devices
  • FPGA field programmable gate arrays
  • processors controllers, micro-controllers, microprocessors, or other electronic elements, or combination thereof, designed to carry out the described functions (s), or a combination thereof.
  • the means may comprise modules (for example, procedures, functions, and so on) that carry out the described functions.
  • the program code can be stored in a memory item and executed by a processor.
  • the memory element can be integrated within the processor or external to it.
  • FIG. 1 shows a system to facilitate the management of remote PLCs.
  • FIG. 2 shows the modules of the system gateway application to facilitate PLC management.
  • FIG. 3 shows the remote gateway.
  • FIG. 4 shows an aspect of the gateway application comprising a credential server.
  • FIG. 5 shows another aspect of the remote gateway.
  • FIG. 6 shows the packet routing states of the remote gateway.
  • FIG. 7 shows the status of the remote gateway connections.
  • FIGs. 8A to 8C show different PLC memory configurations.
  • FIG. 1 shows a system to facilitate the management of PLCs according to an embodiment of the invention.
  • the system 100 comprises a remote machine 1 14 to be controlled by a PLC 1 12.
  • the remote machine 1 10 comprises the same mobile machinery 1 14, for example, the agricultural machinery, and also comprises the sensors and actuators that are connected to the PLC that controls some functionality of the agricultural machinery, using the sensors to receive data input, and issuing output data to the actuators to carry out the programmed action.
  • the maintenance computer can be found in the same facilities as the remote machine 1 10, can be found in an office near it, or it may be far away, even in another country.
  • the remote machine connects to the maintenance computer through a mobile electronic device 130 that has wireless connectivity.
  • the PLC machine is connected via a wireless interface 120, for example, Ethernet / WiFi, using a wireless communications protocol 125 to the mobile device 130.
  • the wireless communications protocol is Short range (such as WiFi, Bluetooth, or similar), although in another aspect, it can also be long range (cellular network, WiMax, or similar).
  • the mobile device exchanges information with the maintenance computer through a communications network that can comprise the mobile cellular network 140 and / or the Internet 150, using another long-range communication protocol 145.
  • a communications network that can comprise the mobile cellular network 140 and / or the Internet 150, using another long-range communication protocol 145.
  • the person skilled in the art understands that other options are possible, for example, that instead of the Internet, a particular communications network is used, or instead of the cellular network, a combination of communication networks is used, for example, other WiFi networks, or WiMax , or similar, while connectivity is completed from the PLC to the maintenance computer.
  • the maintenance computer comprises a virtual private network server, VPN ("Virtual Pr ⁇ vate NetworK ') to establish the VPN connection between the mobile device, which acts as a VPN client, and the maintenance computer, thus ensuring security and confidentiality in communications, offering a safer solution for high-risk machinery or with great economic value for the user.
  • VPN Virtual Pr ⁇ vate NetworK '
  • the mobile device 130 can be any electronic device that has this type of connectivity either short or long range, and also a user interface allowing it to interact with it. Typical existing devices may be known as smartphones, tablets, laptops, or the like.
  • the mobile device 130 and the maintenance computer 160 comprise a gateway application ("gateway" in English) which performs the dual function of allowing to connect remotely and wirelessly with the PLC of the remote machine, and also to load and modify the same PLC program, whatever its manufacturer.
  • the gateway can already be pre-installed on the mobile device, or it can be installed later on any mobile device.
  • the gateway is a mobile application to be installed on the mobile device. Once installed, when executed, the mobile application opens a communication channel with the PLC and another with the maintenance computer.
  • the gateway application can operate without necessarily being connected to the maintenance computer, that is, if the mobile device comprises the management interface, it can carry out all the functionality of the gateway alone.
  • the maintenance computer allows all or part of the operation remotely by another technician if this implementation is preferred.
  • the exposed solution allows to install the automaton program in any PLC existing in remote machines wirelessly by the PLC operator that can be found in another country. This is done without complexity, since a local operator only needs a mobile device that has the mobile gateway application installed. This allows to provide connectivity to the PLC without the need to install a factory router in the same PLC specially configured for that PLC network.
  • the bandwidth used is the generic of the mobile device, being used only to the extent and times of data exchange. Therefore, it is no longer necessary to hire a data line only to provide connectivity to a particular PLC. When it comes to parks, or agricultural facilities, comprising hundreds of industrial machinery, this difference results in a significant cost reduction and complexity.
  • the gateway application allows not only the exchange of data, but also to monitor live programs, allowing to modify the program or reprogram it, or to solve problems remotely. This functionality exists for both PLCs with factory programs, from the same PLC manufacturer, as generic PLCs, whose programs are loaded, installed, and executed using the mobile gateway application.
  • FIG. 2 shows in more detail the modules of the system gateway application to facilitate PLC management.
  • the different elements of the remote machine 1 10 are detailed, which comprises a PLC 202, the input / output ports 204, and the communication buses 206 (for example, of type CAN, of the acronym in English "Controller Area NetworK ').
  • the wireless module 120 connects the remote machine 1 10 with the mobile device 130 by means of its communication module 220.
  • this communication interface works using the TCP / IP protocol to complete communication over the Internet 150 to the maintenance computer 160 through another communication module 220.
  • no use has been made of the cellular network 140, if it has not been implemented a direct connection to the Internet through a direct connection 145.
  • the gateway application comprises two components, or modules.
  • the first module, the remote gateway 230 is installed in an apparatus of the mobile device 130, which communicates with the second module, the management gateway 260, which is installed in an apparatus of the maintenance computer 160.
  • the management gateway 260 implements a secure communications protocol with the remote gateway 230, if necessary, and on the other hand it interfaces with the programming module 265, which allows the maintenance technician to carry out the programming and monitoring functionalities of the PLC remotely. Therefore, among other functions, the management gateway performs the functions of (i) enabling the start of a communications session with a remote gateway and the remote PLC, (i) informing about the communication link status between the computer and the PLC, and (iii) close and disable the communications session with the PLC.
  • the maintenance technician can carry out the programming and monitoring functionalities of the PLC locally, being close to the remote machine.
  • the maintenance computer may also be connected, or it may be completely disconnected, for example, in case of connection failure 145 due to lack of coverage or connectivity.
  • the communication channel between both management and remote gateways (which may reside in one aspect of the invention in the maintenance computer and in the remote mobile device respectively), can be opened as a conventional channel via the Internet, or you can set a VPN network to provide communications with greater privacy and robustness against attacks or unauthorized interventions.
  • a VPN network there is the additional problem that mobile devices do not allow to implement a VPN network to exchange PLC data between the remote gateway and the management gateway, while there is a wireless connection between the PLC and the mobile device. Therefore, in another aspect of the invention a communication protocol is provided aimed at solving this problem, thus allowing a flow of information between the PLC and the gateway application in addition to a wireless connection with the mobile device.
  • a PLC has dedicated hardware for storing the required information, which is the memory of the PLC that has different types depending on the information they must store.
  • FIGs. 8A to 8C show different PLC memory configurations.
  • PLCs On a functional level, PLCs have two types of storage. The first type is program memory 820 that contains the sequence of instructions that the CPU must execute sequentially and cyclically. The main feature that this type of memory should present is that read and write access be fast.
  • the second type is data memory 810, which is also known as the register table, or variable memory, as it contains the necessary data for the purpose of program execution. It is where data such as the status of the system's input and output devices, calculations derived from the program sequences implemented by the CPU, among others, are stored. It is the memory capable of saving the information originated in the microprocessor.
  • the information in these reports is exchanged and communicated using four different types of buses.
  • the data bus is used by the CPU to send the information to the different elements.
  • the CPU sends the location to access the memory address desired by the addressing bus.
  • the control bus is used for the exchange of signals related to internal control actions, and the system bus is responsible for managing the communication via the internal input / output unit of the CPU and the input and output ports.
  • the process of programming a PLC consists in the implementation of a sequence of instructions, whether arithmetic calculations, as logical functions, to achieve that once they have been programmed the desired control result is obtained. This is the process of creating the orders that the PLC will then execute.
  • This debugging process (“debugging” in English), of a PLC allows, on the one hand, to visualize the status of the variables that are used by the control program, and on the other hand, it is also the process that allows to stop the execution of the sequence of instructions of the CPU in a certain point and to execute the instructions step by step, allowing this way to have a control on if the sequence that has been programmed is the correct one and allows the detection of failures in the programming process. Once the problem is discovered, it also allows you to modify the instructions in order to solve the problem so that it does not happen again. As mentioned, this ability to re-program the PLC program from the remote gateway of the mobile electronic device allows changing the instructions of the PLC itself, or providing more functionality, to the PLC than before, quickly and wirelessly, for the benefit of the Username.
  • the remote gateway includes the necessary means to carry out all the necessary functionalities to allow the computer of maintenance, not only the reading and writing of variables in the PLC data memory, but also the reading and writing of the programming code of the program memory.
  • This dual functionality allows not only to set new time or distance thresholds to correct certain behavior, such as movement, of the machines, but also allows the total control of the PLC, modifying how these variables are going to be treated, allowing the complete reprogramming of the PLC, remotely and wirelessly.
  • the process of writing program memory involves changing the logic of operations between system variables.
  • this dual functionality allows an operator, remotely from the maintenance computer, to directly access the PLC, and using the tools of Debugging, search and solve programming problems to start the machine without wasting time and with the minimum problems for the user of the machine.
  • the possibility of carrying out these functions allows reprogramming existing PLCs with factory pre-installed programs, to provide them with greater functionality, and to solve problems with the updated programs, in case of failures at the time of reprogramming, that do not entail a cost and waste of time for the end user of the machines. Therefore, it is allowed to make changes to the sequence of instructions that the CPU executes without the need to stop the execution of the program, online ("online" in English).
  • One of the advantages is that it is not necessary to stop the operation of the machine to make changes in the logical sequence of the program, which is very advantageous for the normal operation of agricultural or industrial machinery. Also, the debugging of the program is allowed with the possibility of entering breakpoints ("breakpoints" in English), in this way the execution of the sequential program can be stopped at a certain point, thus being able to evaluate the system conditions in a specific moment
  • FIG. 3 shows the remote gateway of the mobile device according to an embodiment of the invention.
  • the remote gateway 230 comprises means for modifying PLC program memory and means 320 for modifying PLC data memory.
  • both media are they connect to the corresponding memories of the PLC using the communication module 220.
  • the control means 330 processes this information to optimize its transmission to the management gateway. This processing may comprise compressing the information, and / or encoding it, encapsulating it in case of implementing a tunnel through the IP network, or sending it through the VPN network, if necessary.
  • the management gateway 260 in the maintenance computer 160 Upon receiving this information, the management gateway 260 in the maintenance computer 160 performs the reverse processing (de-encapsulation, decoding, decompression, and so on), and provides the program information and the variable information to the 265 programming module to generate a faithful image of the program and the current state of the PLC and the machine, allowing the remote user to discover the error, reprogram, and start up the system without delays.
  • the functionality can also be carried out from the mobile device if the programming module 265 is also installed therein.
  • FIG. 4 shows another aspect, in which the communication between the management gateway 260, in the maintenance computer 160, and the remote gateway 230, in the mobile device 130, is routed through an Internet credential server that facilitates the information processing from multiple PLCs and also allows to manage the system.
  • the credential server incorporates a 404 database, for example SQL, and a translator application 402 that manages HTTP requests sent from the management gateways and the remote gateways.
  • This server functions as an interface and is responsible for translating HTTP requests into commands to the database, and translating responses to each command into response messages to each HTTP request.
  • This information in the database is managed in turn by an administrator computer, which is used to store user data, enable connections, and monitor the status of a running connection. Therefore, the IP addresses of the maintenance devices and mobile gateway are known in a simple and centralized way.
  • Communications can be implemented securely, using credentials.
  • the user of the maintenance computer accesses the system by entering a username and password through the management gateway.
  • the management gateway sends 450 user and password data to the server, where they are verified.
  • the server responds 460 with an identifier (ID_GW) and updates the database by associating the ID_GW and the IP address of the maintenance computer (IP_PCM) with the user.
  • ID_GW is a random and unique number, and cannot match another GW_ID assigned in previous connections.
  • the ID_GW's that had been generated previously are disabled.
  • the user of the maintenance computer communicates the new ID_GW to the user of the mobile device 130 (for example, through a phone call, via SMS or email), and starts the VPN Server.
  • the management gateway makes 470 periodic requests to the server to obtain 480 the status of the connection between the mobile device and the maintenance computer (STATUS) and displays it in the user interface of the management gateway.
  • the user of the mobile device enters the ID_GW on the remote gateway 230 to start the connection process with the maintenance computer 160.
  • the remote gateway sends 410 the ID_GW to the server, which checks if the ID_GW exists and if there is any IP_PCM associated with the identifier. If both conditions are met, the server sends 420 the IP_PCM to the remote gateway, otherwise, the error is reported.
  • the application initiates the connection to the PLC, which can comprise a connection via WiFi and a connection to the maintenance computer via VPN.
  • the remote gateway periodically sends 430 to the server the status of the connection between the mobile device and the maintenance computer.
  • the server increases the number of connections made with the maintenance computer when the STATUS of the connection goes from the VPN Client disconnected to the VPN Client connected.
  • the management gateway shows 440 the connection status as enabled, the programming module is started to start the PLC programming, monitoring and remote debugging process.
  • the user of the maintenance computer closes 490 the connection and the server removes the GW_ID and the IP_PCM from the table, returning a confirmation 495.
  • FIG. 5 shows in more detail the remote gateway 230, which is formed by two main modules, the login means 510 and the communications management means 520 and packet routing.
  • the login means allow you to configure 512 the SSID, the password of the WiFi access point, and the IP address assignment mode of the PLC in DHCP mode or in static IP mode. In addition, they incorporate a field where the user must enter the identifier assigned from the maintenance computer to start the session.
  • the identifier is sent to the server database, where 514 is checked if said identifier is correct. If it does not exist, the database returns an error to the remote gateway. If the identifier is correct, the database responds 516 with the IP address associated with the maintenance computer and executes the communications management task.
  • the communications management means manage the establishment of TCP / IP connections with the maintenance computer and the PLC. On the one hand, it establishes VPN communication as a VPN Client (as the case may be), for this purpose a new VPN connection is configured 530 and 532 is connected to the VPN server on the maintenance computer. On the other hand, the communications management means activate 550 the mobile device as a WiFi access point and scan 552 to the users connected to the access point waiting for the PLC to connect. Once the two communication channels 534, 554 have been established, the communications management means open ports 560, 540, TCP / IP with the PLC and with the maintenance computer, and packet routing mode 570 is entered between both ports. In parallel, 580 periodically sends the status of connections to the database on the server, which responds with a confirmation if everything is correct.
  • FIG. 6 shows the states of the TCP / IP packet routing of remote gateway 230 according to this protocol.
  • the remote gateway executes two threads in parallel, the first thread 612 responsible for receiving and sending packets to the maintenance computer, and the second thread 614 responsible for receiving and sending packets to the PLC.
  • the routing application consists of four states.
  • a second state 635 of sending TCP / IP packets to the PLC A third state 625 for receiving TCP / IP packets from the PLC.
  • a fourth state of sending 630 TCP / IP packets to the maintenance computer Depending on the case, 640 the port to send packets to the maintenance computer is opened, or 645 the port to send packets to the PLC is opened.
  • the application starts in the first state (reception of PC packets) and if it receives a packet that comes from the computer it goes to the second state 635. If after a while it does not receive a packet from the computer, then it goes to the third state 625. In the second state, the application relays the message received in the first state to the PLC and passes it to the first state. In the third state (reception of PLC packets), if it receives a packet that comes from the PLC it goes to the fourth state 630. If after a time it does not receive a packet, then it goes to the first state. In the fourth state, it transmits to the maintenance computer the packet received from the PLC in the third state and passes it to the first state.
  • FIG. 7 shows the status of the remote gateway connections. The user can observe the status of the connections of the mobile device through a series of indicators:
  • AP status Indicates whether the mobile device has enabled the AP WiFi access point.
  • Codesys connected Indicates whether the maintenance computer is monitoring the PLC through the program, in this case called Codesys.
  • a gateway application comprising a remote gateway module arranged in a mobile device to communicate with the PLC coupled to a machine to be controlled. It can also comprise a management gateway module arranged in a maintenance computer to communicate with the mobile device and with the PLC.
  • the applications allow the operator who is in the facilities where the PLC is located to establish a connection without having a specific router, simply and quickly, with the connection of a simple WiFi adapter (if the PLC needs it ).
  • the use of the mobile device in the case of the invention allows multiple possibilities and does not restrict the costs associated with the transmission of data only to a connection of a machinery.
  • the applications of the invention allow access to the program memory of a PLC so that they are capable of changing both the logic and the sequence of the basic operating instructions that have been programmed in the PLC, regardless of the programming language .
  • This functionality is additionally to allow access to data memory or registration tables to check the status of program variables. Therefore, the programming of a PLC is allowed through standard programming languages.
  • the various means may comprise logic blocks, modules, and circuits may be implemented or carried out by a general purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a set of programmable field doors (FPGA), or other programmable logic, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the described functions.
  • DSP digital signal processor
  • ASIC application specific integrated circuit
  • FPGA set of programmable field doors
  • a general purpose processor may be a micro processor, but in the alternative, the processor may be a conventional processor, controller, microcontroller, state machine, or embedded processor.
  • the various media may comprise computer readable media including, but not limited to, magnetic storage devices (for example, hard drives, floppy discs, magnetic strips, and so on), optical discs (for example, CD or compact discs versatile DVDs, and so on), smart cards and temporary flash storage units (eg EPROM).
  • the variety of storage media described may represent one or more devices and / or computer readable media for storing information.
  • the computer-readable medium term may comprise, without being limited thereto, a variety of means capable of storing, storing, or transporting instructions and / or data.
  • a computer program product may comprise a computer-readable medium with one or more instructions or operating codes to cause a computer to perform the described functions once executed in the computer.
  • a remote device in a mobile electronic device to facilitate remote management of a programmable logic controller, PLC, of at least one machine to be controlled comprising: data exchange means with a programmable logic controller, PLC, by a wireless communications protocol of the mobile electronic device; and remote gateway means configured to access the PLC allowing the modification of the PLC program.
  • the device, in which the remote gateway means are configured to access the program memory of the PLC allowing the modification of the program instructions.
  • the device, in which the remote gateway means are configured to introduce breakpoints in the program to facilitate troubleshooting.
  • the apparatus further comprising means for exchanging data with a maintenance computer by means of a wireless communications protocol of the mobile electronic device.
  • the apparatus, in which the remote gateway means further comprise login means and communications management means for establishing and closing the connections, and informing about the status of the communications.
  • the apparatus, in which the remote gateway means comprise control means for processing the data to be sent or received, comprising compression or decompression, encoding or decoding, encapsulation or de-encapsulation, modulation or demodulation.
  • a management apparatus in a maintenance computer for the remote management of a programmable logic controller, PLC, of at least one machine to be controlled comprising: means for exchanging data with a mobile electronic device; and management gateway means configured to process the data exchanged with the mobile electronic device allowing the modification of the PLC program.
  • the apparatus in which the management means further comprise login means and communications management means for establishing and closing the connections, and informing about the status of the communications.
  • the apparatus in which the management means comprise control means for processing the data to be sent or received, comprising compression or decompression, encoding or decoding, encapsulation or de-encapsulation, modulation or demodulation.
  • the apparatus, in which the management means comprise means of establishing a virtual private network, VPN, between the management apparatus and the remote apparatus.
  • a method in a remote device of a mobile electronic device to facilitate the remote management of a programmable logic controller, PLC, of at least one machine to be controlled comprising: exchanging data with a programmable logic controller, PLC, by means of a wireless communications protocol; and access the PLC program memory allowing the modification of the program instructions.
  • the procedure, in which to access the PLC program memory comprises accessing the PLC data memory allowing the reading of variables.
  • the procedure, in which to access the program memory of the PLC comprises accessing the program memory of the PLC allowing the modification of the program instructions.
  • the procedure, in which the modification of the program instructions comprises introducing breakpoints in the program to facilitate the resolution of problems.
  • the method further comprising exchanging data with a maintenance computer by means of a wireless communications protocol of the mobile electronic device.
  • the procedure including additionally login and communication management to establish and close connections, and report on the status of communications
  • the procedure further comprising processing the data to be sent or received, including compression or decompression, encoding or decoding, encapsulation or de-encapsulation, modulation or demodulation.
  • the procedure further comprising login and communication management to establish and close connections, and report on the status of communications.
  • the method further comprising processing the data to be sent or received, including compression or decompression, coding or decoding, encapsulation or de-encapsulation, modulation or demodulation.
  • the procedure further comprising the establishment of a virtual private network, VPN, between the management device and the remote device.
  • a system for the remote management of programmable logic controllers, PLCs in which the system comprises at least one PLC of at least one machine to be controlled, and at least one mobile electronic device connected to at least one PLC, in which the At least one mobile electronic device comprises a remote device.
  • the system further comprising at least one maintenance computer connected to the PLC by means of the at least one mobile electronic device, in which the at least one maintenance computer comprises a management apparatus.
  • the system further comprising a credential server to authenticate the user of the mobile electronic device.
  • a programmable logic controller remote management procedure, PLC in a system comprising at least one PLC of at least one machine to be controlled, and at least one mobile electronic device connected to at least one PLC, in which the procedure carried out by the at least one mobile electronic device
  • the method further comprising at least one maintenance computer connected to the PLC by means of the at least one mobile electronic device, in which the procedure carried out by the at least one maintenance computer.
  • the procedure further comprising authenticating the user of the mobile electronic device.
  • An apparatus or procedure, in which the wireless communications protocol can be short-range, such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, or it can be long-range, such as a cellular network or WiMax.
  • a computer program comprising instructions, once executed by a processor in a mobile electronic device, to carry out a procedure.
  • a computer program comprising instructions, once executed by a processor in a maintenance computer, to carry out a procedure.
  • a computer-readable medium comprising instructions, once executed by a processor in a mobile electronic device, to carry out a procedure.
  • a computer readable medium comprising instructions, once executed by a processor in a maintenance computer, to carry out a procedure.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Automation & Control Theory (AREA)
  • Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
  • Human Resources & Organizations (AREA)
  • Operations Research (AREA)
  • Quality & Reliability (AREA)
  • Strategic Management (AREA)
  • Tourism & Hospitality (AREA)
  • Marketing (AREA)
  • General Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
  • Entrepreneurship & Innovation (AREA)
  • Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
  • Economics (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Programmable Controllers (AREA)

Abstract

Différents aspects de la présente invention mettent en œuvre une application mobile qui, une fois installée sur un dispositif électronique à communication sans fil, permet de gérer à distance des contrôleurs logiques programmables (PLC), depuis l'installation d'un nouveau programme, tout comme la reprogrammation d'un PLC existant, ainsi que la mise en test et le monitorage du PLC, facilitant ainsi la résolution d'erreurs à distance par un spécialiste. L'application mobile peut se connecter à un ordinateur de maintenance, ce qui permet de réaliser des opérations complexes de reprogrammation du PLC ou la résolution de problèmes informatiques, par un technicien professionnel, à distance et sans fil.
PCT/ES2017/070803 2016-12-23 2017-12-09 Procédé et appareils permettant la gestion à distance optimisée de contrôleurs logiques programmables WO2018115549A1 (fr)

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EP17884988.1A EP3561741A4 (fr) 2016-12-23 2017-12-09 Procédé et appareils permettant la gestion à distance optimisée de contrôleurs logiques programmables

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ES201631681A ES2673937B1 (es) 2016-12-23 2016-12-23 Metodo y aparatos para la gestion remota optimizada de controladores logicos programables
ESP201631681 2016-12-23

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CN115903638A (zh) * 2022-11-08 2023-04-04 广州鲁邦通智能科技有限公司 一种基于vpn技术的设备及远程维护plc的方法和系统

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CN115150684A (zh) * 2021-12-30 2022-10-04 济南大学 基于物联网的智能油缸测控方法

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CN111565221A (zh) * 2020-04-24 2020-08-21 株洲嘉成科技发展有限公司 一种codesys远程调试模块及方法
CN115903638A (zh) * 2022-11-08 2023-04-04 广州鲁邦通智能科技有限公司 一种基于vpn技术的设备及远程维护plc的方法和系统
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EP3561741A1 (fr) 2019-10-30
EP3561741A4 (fr) 2020-01-22
ES2673937B1 (es) 2019-01-29

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